At the Sangamon County Fair in New Berlin last year, Marc Ayers witnessed an attraction he felt should no longer happen: the Banana Derby. Ayers, serving as the Illinois state director for Humane World for Animals, has followed the show closely, seeing it firsthand. Gilligan and Bert, two capuchin monkeys, were dressed in children’s clothes and hooked to dogs racing around a ring. Ayers found the sight distressing and promised this would be the last time the show would appear in Illinois.
For years, the Banana Derby, based in South Carolina, has appeared at county fairs throughout Illinois. However, a change has come. On June 26, Governor JB Pritzker signed an update to the state’s Traveling Animals Act into law. This law expands the existing ban, which covered elephants, to now include big cats, bears, and primates. Ayers views this expansion as a significant move towards the ethical treatment of animals in the state.
In contrast, Phil Dolci, the owner of the Banana Derby, argued the ban is too broad and should target only those who violate animal welfare laws. Dolci believes Gilligan and Bert have received proper care for over 20 years, delighting audiences at fairs.
The Banana Derby and similar shows have been significant revenue sources at fairs, but public opinion has shifted. Many, including Alyssa Berman-Cutler from Lincoln Park Zoo, argue that understanding of animal welfare has evolved. She and others believe in celebrating events like fairs without compromising animal welfare.
Illinois originally became the first state to prohibit elephants in traveling acts with the 2017 Traveling Animals Act. Ayers and others urge the inclusion of more animals due to ongoing welfare issues. They claim continuous travel harms animals, especially social and intelligent species.
The Banana Derby has been under scrutiny, but enforcement remains a challenge since traveling acts move frequently. This difficulty supported the necessity for a broader species ban.
Animal welfare violations exist among various shows. Exhibitors often face citations but continue operations by evading immediate action. Ayers pointed to repeated breaches over the years, arguing that more states might follow Illinois’ example in heightening restrictions.
Dolci, having anticipated the legislative shift, avoided scheduling gigs in Illinois this year. He maintains his show does not harm the monkeys and credits the behavior to natural instincts shared by capuchins.
Broader efforts are unfolding, such as the push for the Captive Primate Safety Act, which seeks to restrict private ownership of primates nationwide. Advocates believe comprehensive measures like these prevent exploitation and improve safety.